TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5339, 8 May 1878, Page 2

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.

(PER PBESS AGENCY.) Auckland, Tuesday. John Jack and Annie Eirman opened to a crowded house at the Theatre Royal, playing Ealstaff and Prince Hal respectively with great success. They intend to make a tour of New Zealand, under the lesseeship of Mr. DeLias. The Governor leaves for the South in the Hinemoa to-morrow. Judge Heale has been sent to preside at the Native Lands Court at Maketu. It is probable that the Court will sit in defiance of the obstructionists. A difficulty arises through a section of the natives insisting that the Court shall recognise that claims to land shall bo admitted where one tribe has assisted another to defend itself, without occupation. This right was allowed by Sir Donald McLean, but repudiated by the Court. I The schooner Mazeppa, from Samoa, reports that the Samoan fine was not paid without trouble. Twenty-four hours elapsed without any answer being given by the native Government. At the end of that time, Captain Murray, of the Sappho, informed them that if the £IOOO balance of the Barraoonta fine was not paid before 1 p.m. on the following Monday, ho would first destroy all Government property at Mallin, and then, if satisfactory arrangements were not come to, he would destroy other villages and increase his demands. This appears to have stirred them up, for on the following Monday, the £IOOO was duly paid. Alexandra, Tuesday.

In tho afternoon Sir G. Grey and Mr. Sheehan arrived at Hiknrangi, and wore met by the whole of the Waikntos, an immense, multitude, and with a war dance, Tawhiao leading them. Afterwards the King paid a visit and shook hands, the whole party accompanying. Penukutu was leading the soldiers, and looks more ferocious than ever. He has a stern determined look. His dress consisted of only odd mats. He was armed with a long spear, with a bayonet on it. Sir G. Grey and Mr Sheehan are now exchanging civilities with the ICing, It is said there will bo no talk to-day. Te Ngaku is hero already, and is the King’s right-hand man; 1 ":' Wanganui, Tuesday. Recent explorations by tho Harbor Board officials have discovered a reef of stone suitable for harbor works; on Government land abutting on tho river, about ton miles from town, The; quantity is sufficient for all works advertised.

This discovery obviates any necessity for dealing with the natives, who were disposed to throw obstacles in the way of the Board by demanding heavy compensation. - i The Hon. John Ballance addresses his constituents on Monday the X3th. Taueanqa, Tuesday. Captain Morris, M.H.R., addressed the electors at Opotiki last night, and received a vote of no confidence. New Plymouth, Tuesday. : The Urenui Hotel was burnt down last night. The fire originated in the explosion of a kerosene lamp in the bar. The building is insured in the Standard and Imperial offices for £BOO, and the stock for £2OO, equally divided between the two offices. In the Supreme Court the case of Thomas Quinlivan, charged with horse-stealing, was tried, and the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. Christchurch, Tuesday. There is considerable excitement to-day respecting the war news, the effect of this morning’s telegrams being heightened by rumors that private telegrams have been received, stating that war has been declared. All however proved to be without foundation. A public meeting is on the tapis for the purpose of considering what steps shall be taken to increase the strength of the volunteer forces, and to enquire what arms are available for volunteers here, who are grumbling very much at being keptrwithout ammunition, and at being refused free passes on the railway when on duty. Timaru, Tuesday. The Harbor Board at a special meeting this morning decided to call for tenders for the erection of a mole 500 feet long in the harbor, in accordance with Mr. Goodall’s plan, as approved by the Commission. Dunedin, Tuesday. An alarm of fire was raised at Dr. Somerville’s lecture at the theatre last night, the building being filled with smoke from a chimney on fire in the neighborhood. The audience were assured there was no danger, and order was at last restored. The High School Board have taken steps for the High School to bo periodically inspected, in accordance with the terms of the Act. , The Attorney-General leaves for Wellington to-morrow. The persons who were employed in the distribution and collection of the census papers have not yet received payment for their services, which were rendered two months ago. It was intended to have held a meeting of those interested, to take some action ; but the facts having been represented to the Minister for Immigration, he telegraphed back that immediately the proper vouchers were forthcoming from the chief enumerator’s office the amounts due to those employed under him would be paid.